The valedictory ceremony, held on 30th March 2023 at its Jagti Campus, marked the culmination of a five-day program aimed at empowering small business owners across the country.
The valedictory ceremony witnessed the presence of esteemed dignitaries including Prof. Jabir Ali, Dean Academics, IIM Jammu Dr. Muqbil Burhan, Chairperson, Srinagar Campus, IIM Jammu and Dr. Mahesh Gadekar, Chairperson of the Centre for Small Business Development, IIM Jammu, Dr. Vivek Sharma, CIO, IIM Jammu and Shri Naren Karunakaran, Consultant - Diversity, Sustainability & Small Business Development., IIM Jammu.
The second batch, comprising 35 participants from diverse backgrounds from across the country, including participants from the U.T of Jammu and Kashmir. Dr. Mahesh Gadekar presented the highlights of the program, emphasizing its significance in nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit and fostering economic growth.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Jabir Ali, Dean Academics, IIM Jammu emphasized the concerted efforts invested in formulating the program. With a steadfast focus on Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, aligned with the vision of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Government of India, they have endeavored to create an ecosystem conducive to fostering entrepreneurship and supporting business aspirations. The program signifies not merely an end but rather the commencement of a promising new journey.
The mandate has been clear - to facilitate the metamorphosis of informal businesses into formal enterprises through comprehensive capacity development, personalized guidance, and provision of business incubation services. He also mentioned that SIDBI will be joining hands with IIM Jammu in this endeavor, opening new avenues for all budding entrepreneurs.
With the establishment of 22 SBDUs in the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh, the aim is to draw participation from entrepreneurs across the nation, thereby contributing significantly to the progress of these regions. Together, let them embark on this journey of growth and prosperity, leveraging the support and resources provided through this program to realize their collective vision for a thriving entrepreneurial landscape.
The valedictory ceremony also featured a presentation session by the participants, followed by an interactive session with Prof. Jabir Ali, Dean Academics, IIM Jammu, allowing for valuable feedback and insights. Dr. Mahesh Gadekar, Chairperson of the Centre for Small Business Development, IIM Jammu, expressed gratitude on behalf of the institute, concluding the program on a positive note.
The Project of Transforming Informal Businesses through SBDUs (SBDUs) under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), Government of India, has been envisaged to strengthen institutions to deliver quality initiatives for entrepreneurship development across identified locations i.e. 22 SBDUs to be established across the UTs of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
The program aims to identify existing/ aspiring entrepreneurs to provide the necessary skills and knowledge for business development and create an environment that will enable them to transform informal businesses into formal businesses through capacity development and handholding. The integrated intervention will help the skill development of the potential entrepreneurs in starting a new venture and help them survive and growth.
The Capacity Building Program on Small Business Development Units by IIM Jammu DICCI, and MSDE sets the stage for transformative growth, empowering aspiring, and existing entrepreneurs to realize their dreams and contribute meaningfully to the socio-economic development of the nation.